Circuit Interrupting System with Remote Test And Reset Activation

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to resettable circuit interrupting devices and system and methods capable of being tested and reset from remote locations, and in particular to circuit interrupting devices and system capable of being tested and reset from remote locations. A remote monitoring device can also be included which can be used to control an actuation device which is capable of controlling a circuit interrupting device. Alternatively, the remote monitoring or control device can be used to control the circuit interrupting device directly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application and claimspriority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/234,185 filed on Sep.26, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein it itsentirety by reference, wherein that application is related to and claimspriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/619,115, filedOct. 15, 2004, and entitled “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter WithRemote Test and Reset,”.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to resettable circuit interruptingdevices and assemblies capable of being tested and reset from remotelocations, and include without limitation ground fault circuitinterrupters (GFCI's), arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI's),immersion detection circuit interrupters (IDCI's), appliance leakagecircuit interrupters (ALCI's), and equipment leakage circuitinterrupters (ELCI's),

A proposal has been introduced to the National Electric Code (NEC)Section 422.16(B)(4) that would require new and remanufactured vendingmachines to have installed at the factory a power cord or cable assemblythat includes a ground fault type circuit interrupting device. In atypical environment where a vending machine is located, a cable assemblywith a ground fault type circuit interrupting device would be located inthe rear of the vending machine and plugged into a wall outlet typicallybehind the vending machine. To test the ground fault type circuitinterrupting device, the vending machine would have to be moved awayfrom the wall to gain access to the circuit interrupting device. Sincevending machines are typically heavy and the location of the wall outletand rear cable assembly make it difficult and inconvenient to performperiodic testing of the ground fault type circuit interrupting device.Moreover, Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) has issued a requirement forperiodic and convenient testing of ground fault type circuitinterrupting devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to circuit interrupting devices andsystem capable of being tested and reset from remote locations. In oneembodiment, there may be a wall mounted receptacle circuit interrupterwhich is capable of being tested and reset from a remote location. Inone embodiment, a portable circuit interrupting system includes a plugassembly, a connector, and a circuit interrupting device located betweenthe plug assembly and connector. Alternatively, the circuit interruptingsystem can be constructed such that instead of a connector, the loadside of the system can be hard wired to the load, to which it suppliespower. Thus, in this configuration, the system would be in the form of apower supply cord. The circuit interrupting device can be in any formand can include any circuitry necessary to create an interruption in acircuit if a fault condition is detected. The circuit interruptingdevice is connected to the plug assembly and connector by one or morecables, and is configured to change from a reset state to a trip stateupon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a groundfault. The circuit interrupting device also includes test circuitryconfigured to cause the circuit interrupting device to change from thereset state to the trip state when activated, and reset circuitryconfigured to cause the circuit interrupting device to change from thetripped state to the reset state when activated.

At least one activating device is provided to remotely activate the testcircuitry or the reset circuitry. The activating device can be in theform of any viable activating device that activates the test circuitryor reset circuitry on the circuit interrupting device, or any circuitrythat simply activates or communicates with the circuit interruptingdevice to communicate or display the status of the circuit interruptingdevice. The activating device may be a wireless device that activatesthe test circuitry or the reset circuitry by transmitting a wirelesssignal to the circuit interrupting device, or the activating device maybe hard wired to the circuit interrupting device and activates the testcircuitry or the reset circuitry by sending a signal along the hard wireto the circuit interrupting device. The activating device may beincluded in the connector or a stand alone device. In an alternativeembodiment, the portable circuit interrupting system includes a plugassembly, a circuit interrupting device connected to the plug assemblyand at least one activating device operatively coupled to the circuitinterrupting device. The circuit interrupting device is preferablyconfigured to change from a reset state to a trip state upon theoccurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a ground fault. Thecircuit interrupting device includes test circuitry configured to causethe circuit interrupting device to change from the reset state to thetrip state when activated, and reset circuitry configured to cause thecircuit interrupting device to change from the tripped state to thereset state when activated. At least one activating device is providedto remotely activate the test circuitry or the reset circuitry. Theactivating device may be a wireless device that activates the testcircuitry or the reset circuitry by transmitting a wireless signal tothe circuit interrupting device, or the activating device may be hardwired to the circuit interrupting device and activates the testcircuitry or the reset circuitry by sending a signal along the hard wireto the circuit interrupting device. In another embodiment, the portablecircuit interrupting system includes a plug assembly having a circuitinterrupting device included in the plug assembly, and at least oneactivating device capable of remotely activating the test circuitry orreset circuitry.

In at least one alternative embodiment, a remote monitoring device canbe connected to a remote activation device to control the remoteactivation device, or be in direct communication with a fault circuit tocontrol the fault circuit. The communication can be either via wiredcommunication means or wireless. In addition, if the communication isvia wired lines, the wired lines can be configured for X-10communication or any suitable communication protocol or the wiredcommunication lines can be in the form of fiber optic lines.

This remote monitoring device can also be in the form of a remotemonitoring and activating device for remotely acting on either theactivating device, or acting directly on the fault circuit device.

The remote monitoring device or remote control device can be in any formthat would include a display or some indicators which disclose thestatus of the fault circuit interrupter or the position of the test andreset buttons on either the activation device or the fault circuitinterrupter itself. The indication means can be via either graphicalrepresentation or via text messaging. In at least one embodiment theremote monitoring device can be in the form of a personal computer, aserver or any other suitable type device for displaying or controllingthe status of either the activating device or the fault circuit device.This remote monitoring device can use either customized or off the shelfsoftware which allows for this remote monitoring device to be housed ina central station to monitor many GFCI's and allow for each GFCI to becapable of having its own identifier or addressable component. In thiscase each GFCI is then disposed on a network wherein each GFCI is anode.

Along with the device, there is also a method for communicating with afault circuit. The method includes providing a fault circuit interrupterwith test circuitry. Another step includes providing a remote testingdevice and then testing the fault circuit interrupter from a remotelocation. This method includes testing the fault circuit interrupter bytesting via a wireless protocol to the fault circuit interrupter. Thisstep includes wirelessly testing the fault circuit interrupter, andcomprises sending a wireless command from the remote testing device tothe fault circuit interrupter, receiving this command in the faultcircuit interrupter, and then conducting a test of the fault circuitinterrupter.

One of the benefits of this design, is that with the addressablecomponent and with the use of text messaging or other protocols, a usercan pinpoint the location of perishable food or other items that may beinvolved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a GFCI with remote test and resetfunctionality in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a GFCI with remote test and reset functionalityin accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a GFCI with remote test and reset functionalityin accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a GFCI with remote test and reset functionalityin accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a GFCI with remote test and reset functionalityin accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cable for use with a GFCI withremote test and reset functionality in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cable for use with a GFCI withremote test and reset functionality in accordance with anotherembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a cable with a GFCI with remotetest and reset functionality which communicates through electricallines;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a cable with a GFCI with remotetest and reset functionality which communicates through electrical lineswithout power lines;

FIG. 9A is a schematic block diagram of a layout including a remotecontrol device;

FIG. 9B is a schematic block diagram of a layout including a remotecontrol device communicating directly with a fault circuit interrupter;

FIG. 9C is a schematic block diagram of a remote control devicecommunicating through another remote control device to a fault circuitinterrupter;

FIG. 10A is another embodiment of this disclosure wherein the device hasa remote test and reset functionality, wherein there is also a remotedevice for controlling the remote control device or the fault circuitinterrupter in a wired manner;

FIG. 10B is another embodiment of the disclosure wherein the device hasa remote test and reset functionality, wherein there is also a remotedevice for wirelessly communicating with and remotely controlling theactivation device or the fault circuit interrupter in a wireless manner;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an in-lineactivation device for communicating with a fault circuit interrupterdevice;

FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the in line activation device;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of the electronic components in a circuitboard shown in FIG. 11B;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for a process for remotely accessing a circuitinterrupting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted, the present disclosure relates to resettable circuitinterrupting devices or systems and assemblies capable of being testedand reset from remote locations and in particular to portable circuitinterrupting system capable of being tested and reset from remotelocations. The type of circuit interrupting devices contemplated by thepresent disclosure include without limitation ground fault type circuitinterrupting devices, arc fault circuit interrupting devices, immersiondetection circuit interrupting devices, appliance leakage circuitinterrupting devices, and equipment leakage circuit interruptingdevices. However, for ease of description and without departing from thefull scope of the family of circuit interrupting devices, the followingdescription will be directed to ground fault circuit interruptingdevices. Referring to FIG. 1, a portable circuit interrupting system 10with remote test and reset functionality in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The portable circuitinterrupting system 10 can be a power cord assembly, a cable assembly orany other portable structure capable of supplying power from a fixedpower source to a load, such as a commercial, industrial or homeappliance. The present disclosure applies equally well to a wall mountcircuit interrupter.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the circuit interrupting system 10 includesa ground fault type circuit interrupting device 12 having a housing 12 cand activating devices 14, 16 or 18 each having respective housings 14c, 16 c, and 18 c. Any of these activating devices 14, 16 or 18 can becharacterized as remote activating devices. Activating device 14 has atest button 14 a, a reset button 14 b, activating device 16 has a testbutton 16 a, and a reset button 16 b, while activating device 18 has atest button 18 a, and a reset button 18 b. While FIG. 1 illustratesmultiple activating devices, one or more of the activating devices 14,16 or 18 can be included in the circuit interrupting assembly 10. Thecircuit interrupting device 12 has a line side portion that includes apower cord or cable 20 having a plug assembly for connection to a fixedsource of electrical power, e.g., a wall mounted outlet (not shown), forproviding electrical power to a load. The circuit interrupting device 12has a load side that includes a load side power cord or cable 22 withelectrical power conductors ending in a connector (e.g., a femalereceptacle, not shown) that connects to an electrical load (not shown),such as a vending machine or other commercial, industrial or homeelectrical machine. Alternatively the circuit interrupting system can beconstructed such that instead of a connector, the load side of thesystem can be hard wired to the load to which it supplies power. Thus,in this configuration the system would be known as a power supply cord.Between the line side and load side of the circuit interrupting deviceare conductive paths. Typically, there is a phase conductive path and aneutral conductive path and a ground conductive path. While a singlephase system is described here, this system would function equally wellin a multi-phase system. The cable 20 and plug assembly and theconnector are electrical components for handling electrical power overphase, neutral and ground conductors. The circuit interrupting device 12also includes fault sensing circuitry used to monitor the electricalpower flowing through the line side phase and neutral conductive pathsof cable 20, and a trip mechanism used to change the state of thecircuit interrupting device between a reset state and a tripped state.In the reset state there is electrical continuity in the phase andneutral conductive paths between the line side and load side of thecircuit interrupting device 12. In the tripped state there is electricaldiscontinuity in the phase and neutral conductive paths between the lineside and load side of the circuit interrupting device 12. When a faultcondition is detected by the fault sensing circuitry the trip mechanismcauses the circuit interrupting device to change from the reset state tothe tripped state. Examples of fault conditions the fault sensingcircuitry may detect include ground faults, arc faults, applianceleakage faults, immersion detection faults, or equipment leakage faults.The trip mechanism may utilize electromechanical or electricalcomponents or both to change the state of the circuit interruptingdevice 12. That is, the trip mechanism may use electromechanical orelectrical components or both to cause electrical discontinuity in thephase and neutral conductive paths between the line side and load sideof the circuit interrupting device (the tripped state), or the tripmechanism may use electro-mechanical or electrical components or both tocause electrical continuity in the phase and neutral conductive pathsbetween the line side and load side of the circuit interrupting device(the reset state). An example of the fault sensing circuitry and thetrip mechanism can be found in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The circuit interrupting device 12 also includes test circuitry andreset circuitry that can be manually activated by buttons 12 a, 12 b orremotely activated as will be described below. The test circuitry isused to test all or part of the fault sensing circuitry, the tripmechanism, or both the fault sensing circuitry and the trip mechanism ofthe circuit interrupting device 12. The reset circuitry is used to causethe trip mechanism to return to the reset state, i.e., to re-establishelectrical continuity in the phase and neutral conductive paths afterthe circuit interrupting device 12 has been tested or a fault conditiondetected. Examples of the test circuitry and the reset circuitry can befound in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894. It should be noted thatthe circuit interrupting device may optionally include reset lockoutfunctionality to prevent the circuit interrupting device from changingto the reset state in the event all or part of the fault sensingcircuitry, all or part of the trip mechanism or all or part of the testcircuitry are inoperative. Examples of reset lockout features aredescribed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,070, which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

For remote activation of the test circuitry or the reset circuitry thecircuit interrupting device may be configured for hard wirecommunications to the one or more activating devices 14, 16 or 18 viaadditional conductors in cable 22. In addition to or instead of hardwire communication, the circuit interrupting device may include wirelesscommunication circuitry connected to the test circuitry and the resetcircuitry. The communication circuitry enables remote activation of allor part of the test circuitry, all or part of the reset circuitry, orall or part of the test and reset circuitry. The wireless communicationcircuitry contemplated by the present disclosure covers the completespectrum of wireless communication circuits including infra-redcommunication circuitry, radio frequency communication circuitry,optical transmission, audio transmission, ultrasonic transmission, orany other technique for wireless communications. Typically, thecommunication circuitry includes a receiver for receiving wirelesssignals and adapter circuitry for adapting the received wireless signalto a form capable of communicating with the test circuitry or the resetcircuitry.

As noted the test and reset circuitry of the circuit interrupting device12 can be remotely activated by one or more activating devices 14, 16 or18. The activating devices 14, 16 or 18 include user accessible buttons(e.g., test and/or reset buttons) 14 a, 14 b, 16 a, 16 b, and 18 a and18 b respectively, to remotely activate the test circuitry or resetcircuitry of the circuit interrupting device 12. As noted, variouscommunication techniques may be utilized. For example, as seen in FIG.1, activating device 16 is hard wired to the circuit interrupting device12 via cable 22. Activating device 14 uses infra-red (IR) communicationsand activating device 18 uses radio frequency (RF) communications. Boththe activating device 14 and activating device 18 would typicallyinclude a transmitter for transmitting a test or reset signal generatedwhen either the test or reset button is activated.

Although three activating devices have been shown it should beunderstood that the number and type of activating devices can varydepending on the application. Moreover, an activating device can usevarious communication techniques to activate the test circuitry or resetcircuitry of the circuit interrupting device 12, such as, for example,power-line-carrier, twisted pair, fiber optic, light or wave guide,natural or artificial light, magnetic or electrical means or othertechniques.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a portable circuit interruptingsystem 40 with remote test and reset functionality. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the circuit interrupting device described above is included in aplug assembly 42 capable of connecting to a fixed source of electricalpower, e.g., a wall mounted outlet (not shown), to provide electricalpower to a load. The plug assembly 42 has a power cord or cable 48ending in a connector 44 (e.g., a female receptacle) for connection toan electrical load, such as a vending machine or other commercial,industrial or home electrical machine (not shown). This would applyequally to an apparatus which is hard wired to the load. In thisembodiment, plug assembly 42 includes a line side that has prongs forconnecting to the fixed source of electrical power and a load sideconnected to the power conductors in cable 48. Conductive paths areprovided between the line side and load side of the plug assembly. Thecircuit interrupting device is connected between the line side and loadside of the plug assembly 42.

As noted, between the line side and load side of the plug assembly 42are conductive paths. Typically, in a single phase system or in amulti-phase system there is a conductive path a neutral conductive pathand a ground conductive path. The circuit interrupting device includesfault sensing circuitry used to monitor the electrical power flowingthrough the phase and neutral conductive paths on the line side of theplug assembly 42, and a trip mechanism used to change the state of thecircuit interrupting device between a reset state and a tripped state.In the reset state there is electrical continuity in the phase andneutral conductive paths between the line side and load side of the plugassembly 42. In the tripped state there is electrical discontinuity inthe phase and neutral conductive paths between the line side and loadside of the plug assembly 42. When a fault condition is detected by thefault sensing circuitry the trip mechanism causes the circuitinterrupting device to change from the reset state to the tripped state.Examples of the fault conditions the fault sensing circuitry may detectinclude ground faults, arc faults, appliance leakage faults, immersiondetection faults, or equipment leakage faults. The trip mechanism mayinclude electromechanical or electrical components or both to change thestate of the circuit interrupting device. That is, the trip mechanismmay use electromechanical or electrical components or both to causeelectrical discontinuity in the phase and neutral conductive pathsbetween the line side and load side of the circuit interrupting device(the tripped state), or the trip mechanism may use electromechanical orelectrical components or both to cause electrical continuity in thephase and neutral conductive paths between the line side and load sideof the circuit interrupting device (the reset state).

The circuit interrupting device also includes test circuitry and resetcircuitry that is housed in housing 42 c and that can be manuallyactivated by buttons 42 a, 42 b or remotely activated as will bedescribed below. The test circuitry is used to test all or part of thefault sensing circuitry, the trip mechanism or both the fault sensingcircuitry and trip mechanism of the circuit interrupting device. Thereset circuitry is to cause the trip mechanism to return to the resetstate, i.e., to re-establish electrical continuity in the phase andneutral conductive paths, after the circuit interrupting device has beentested or a fault condition detected. Examples of the test circuitry andreset circuitry can be found in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Itshould be noted that the circuit interrupting device may also includereset lockout functionality to prevent the circuit interrupting devicefrom changing to the reset state in the event all or part of the faultsensing circuitry, all or part of the trip mechanism or all or part ofthe test circuitry are inoperative. Examples of reset lockout featuresare described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,070, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the connector 44 includes activating device46 having a housing 46 c and having test and reset buttons 46 a, 46 bwhich can be used to remotely activate all or part of the testcircuitry, all or part of the reset circuitry or all or part of both.The cable 48 includes power conductors and signal conductors. The powerconductors deliver electrical power from the plug assembly 42 to theconnector 44. At the plug assembly 42, the signal conductors areconnected to the test circuitry and reset circuitry, and at theconnector 44 the signal conductors are connected to test and resetbuttons 46 a, 46 b on activating device 46. The signal conductors areused by the activating device 46 to communicate with and remotelyactivate all or part of the test circuitry, all or part of the resetcircuitry or all or part of both.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a portable circuit interruptingapparatus 50 with remote test and reset functionality. In thisembodiment, the plug assembly 52 has a housing 52 c and test and restbuttons 52 a and 52 b and is substantially similar to plug assembly 42and for clarity will not be described further. The remote activation ofthe test or reset circuitry in the circuit interrupting device isprovided by an inline activating device 56 disposed between the plugassembly 52 and connector 54. The activating device 56 has a housing 56c and includes test and reset buttons 56 a, 56 b which can be used toremotely activate all or part of the test circuitry, all or part of thereset circuitry or all or part of both. The plug assembly 52 isconnected to the activating device 56 via cable 58 and connector 54 isconnected to the activating device via cable 59. Cable 58 has powerconductors and signal conductors. Cable 59 has power conductors. Thepower conductors deliver power from the plug assembly 52 to theconnector 54. The signal conductors in cable 58 are used by theactivating device 56 to communicate with and remotely activate all orpart of the test circuitry, all or part of the reset circuitry or all orpart of both.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a portable circuit interruptingapparatus 60 with remote test and reset functionality. In thisembodiment, the plug assembly 62 having a housing 62 c and test andreset buttons 62 a and 62 b respectively. This plug assembly 62 issubstantially similar to plug assembly 42 described above and forclarity will not be described further, and the remote test and resetfunctionality is provided by activating device 66. The activating device66 has a housing 66 c and includes test and reset buttons 66 a, 66 bwhich can be used to remotely activate all or part of the testcircuitry, all or part of the reset circuitry or all or part of both.The activating device may be free standing or may be fixed to, forexample, a wall via eyelets 74. In this embodiment, the plug assembly 62is connected to a first port of a splitter or branching element 76 viacable 68. Cable 68 has power conductors and signal conductors. A cable70, having power conductors, is connected between the connector 64 and asecond port of the splitter 76. A third port of splitter 76 is connectedto the activating device 66 via cable 72. Cable 72 has signalconductors. The power conductors deliver electrical power from the plugassembly 62 to the connector 64. The signal conductors in cable 68 and72 are used by the activating device 66 to communicate with and remotelyactivate all or part of the test circuitry, all or part of the resetcircuitry or all or part of both in the circuit interrupting device.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a portable circuit interruptingapparatus 80 with remote test and reset functionality. In thisembodiment, the remote test and reset functionality is provided byactivating device 84 connected to the load side of circuit interruptingdevice 82 through cable 90. Circuit interrupting device 82 has a housing82 c and a test button 82 a, and a reset button 82 b. The line side ofthe circuit interrupting device is connected via cable 88 to a plugassembly 86 including prongs. The plug assembly 86 is used to connectthe circuit interrupting assembly 82 to a fixed source of electricalpower, e.g., a wall mounted outlet (not shown), to provide electricalpower to a load (not shown), such as a vending machine or othercommercial, industrial or home electrical machine. The circuitinterrupting device is substantially similar to the circuit interruptingdevice 12 described above and for clarity will not be described further.

The activating device 84 includes a housing 84 c and test and resetbuttons 84 a, 84 b which can be used to remotely activate all or part ofthe test circuitry, all or part of the reset circuitry or all or part ofboth. The activating device 84 may be configured as a panel capable ofbeing mounted to a surface of an object, such as wall or a machine.

As noted, the load side of the circuit interrupting device 82 isconnected to the activating device 84 via cable 90. Cable 90 includespower conductors (Phase (L), Neutral (N) and Ground (G)) and signalconductors (T1, T2, R1, R2). The power conductors provide power to aload, the signal conductors T1, T2 are connected to the test button 84a, and the signal conductors R1, R2 are connected to reset button 84 b.This feature would apply equally well to a multi-phase system.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cable 100 that may be used withthe various embodiments of a portable circuit interrupting apparatus.The cable 100 includes an outer sheathing 102 having three powerconductors 106 and three pairs of signal conductors 104. The powerconductors 106 are used to carry electrical power over standard powerlines (Phase, Neutral and Ground). Each pair of the signal conductors104 is used to carry or handle signals between an activating device(e.g., activating device 16 of FIG. 1, activating device 46 of FIG. 2activating device 56 of FIG. 3, activating device 66 of FIG. 4, oractivating device 84 of FIG. 5) and a circuit interrupting device orplug assembly. These signal conductors 104 can be in any form such as awire or other metallic based communication lines, such as an Ethernetcable, in the form of a fiber optic line, or any suitable communicationmedium.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cable thatmay be used with the various embodiments of a portable circuitinterrupting apparatus. In this embodiment, the cable 120 has twocomponents, a power cable 122 and a signal cable 128. The power cable122 has three power conductors 124 used to carry electrical power. Thesignal cable 128 has two pairs of signal conductors 130. Each pair ofthe signal conductors 130 is used to carry or handle signals between anactivating device and a circuit interrupting device or plug assembly.Preferably, the power cable 122 is coupled to but electrically isolatedfrom the signal cable 130. These signal cables 130 can be in any formsuch as in the form of a wire, or other metallic based communicationlines, such as an Ethernet cable, in the form of a fiber optic line orany suitable communication medium.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cable thatmay be used with the various embodiments of a portable circuitinterrupting apparatus. In this embodiment, there are three powerconductors 106 similar to those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, however, in thisembodiment the communication signals between the activating device suchas activating device 16 of FIG. 1, or other activating devices 46, 56,66, 84, or 116 and any one of the circuit interrupting devices 12, 42,52, 62, 82, or 112 are carried on the three power conductors 106. Thiscommunication means is possible because these communication signals arebeing communicated via an X-10 or other suitable power linecommunication protocols. In this case, “X-10” is a communications“language” that allows compatible products to communicate with eachother using the existing electrical wiring in the home. X-10communication means have been used for other purposes wherein thiscommunication protocol is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,544 to VanderMey et al, which issued on Jul. 7, 1998, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference. While X-10 communicationprotocol has been disclosed above, any suitable protocol can be used.

FIG. 8B shows another type of line or cable 133 which includes a sheath102 b, and a plurality of signal cables 107 a, 107 b, and 107 c. Thisline or cable 133 is configured to communicate signals from onecomponent to another. For example, one end of this cable 133 isconnected to a housing of the circuit interrupting device 12, and theGFCI disposed therein, and the other end is connected to the remotecontrol unit housing 16 and the electrical components housed therein.This type cable can also be used for cables 152 b and 153 to communicatebetween components such as activating devices 46, 56, 66, 84, or 116 andany one of the circuit interrupting devices 12, 42, 52, 62, 82, or 112,where the connection does not require a power cable.

The circuit interrupting devices, plug assemblies and the activatingdevices described above may include an audio indicator (e.g., buzzer), avisual indicator (e.g., light emitting diodes) or both as indicatormeans to provide users with an indication of the status of the circuitinterrupting device, or any other suitable indicator.

With the embodiments disclosed above, the signal lines 104, and 130, orcommunication power line 106 can also be adapted to allow for two-waycommunication between the activating devices such as activating devices16, 46, 56, 66, 84, or 116 and the circuit interrupting device.Alternatively, FIG. 9A discloses another embodiment of the inventionwherein with this design, there is an optional remote monitoring device150 which in this embodiment, is in wired communication with activatingdevice 116 via a wired communication line 152 b (See FIG. 10A) which canbe formed similar to any one of wired lines 100, 120 or 132 which can beused to relay signals back and forth between the devices.

Alternatively, as also shown in FIG. 9A, remote control device 150 cancommunicate with any one of different remote activating devices 114,116, or 118 (See FIG. 10B) in a wireless manner. This wirelesscommunication can be in the form of any suitable wireless communicationsuch as 802.11x, bluetooth or any other available wireless protocol.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B remote activating devices 114 and 118 canthen communicate with circuit interrupting device 112 in a wirelessmanner, while remote activating device 116 can communicate with circuitinterrupting device 112 in a wired manner. This form of wiredcommunication can be via any suitable or known wired communication linessuch as any one of the lines shown in FIG. 6, 7, or 8. The wirelesscommunication between activating device 114 can be in the form of aninfrared protocol. The wireless communication between activating device118 can be in the form of a radio frequency protocol, which can be inthe form of any suitable radio frequency protocol. FIGS. 10A and 10Bshow that circuit interrupting device 112 has a test button, 112 a, areset button 112 b and a housing 112 c. Remote activating device 114 hasa test button 114 a, a reset button 114 b and a housing 114 c, remoteactivating device 116 has a test button 116 a, a reset button 116 b anda housing 116 c, while remote activating device 118 has a test button118 a, a reset button 118 b and a housing 118 c.

In this case, remote device 150 can be any type of remote device such asa personal computer or (PC) having an automation software, a computerserver, or a commercial or industrial monitoring system such as used infire alarm systems. This remote device 150 can be in the form of acomputer or server and have incorporated therein any necessarycomponents such as a processor, a memory unit, a mass storage device orhard drive.

This device 150 can also have an associated monitor or display as wellto display the status of the actuating device or the fault circuitinterrupter device. This type display can be in the form of a graphicaldisplay or via a text messaging display. In addition, remote module 150can also forward on the status of the activating device or the faultcircuit interrupting device to other remote devices such as othercomputers, pagers, cell phones, or other communication devices, in theform of text messages or graphical representations as well. With thistype of communication, a user of this system would not have to bephysically near either the fault circuit device 12, or 112 or theassociated activating devices to constantly check the status of thesedevices. For example, FIGS. 9A-9C also show remote module 150 which canoptionally connect to mobile devices 154 such as cell phones, pagers, orany other known or suitable mobile devices, or to a wide area networksuch as the internet 155 to allow for additional off-site communication.

FIG. 9B shows a schematic block diagram of remote control device orremote activating device 150 which is in communication directly withcircuit interrupting device 112. Remote control device 150 cancommunicate from a near or far distance via a wired communication line153 which can be formed from lines shown in any one of FIG. 6, 7, or 8or any other wired lines. This communication can be directly withcircuit interrupting device 112 to either monitor and display a statusof circuit interrupting device 112 or to selectively activate circuitinterrupting device 112 as well. This level of control can be in theform of remotely activating the test circuitry 220, 225 (See FIG. 12) orthe reset circuitry 230, 235. The wired communication can be via anyknown or suitable protocols such as via a TCP/IP protocol, X-10 or anyother available or known or suitable protocol in the art. These remotecontrol devices are not limited to any particular device and can includea computer, a computer workstation, a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a server, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, acellular telephone, and a text messaging device. These devices can sendand receive any known wireless communication protocols, wired orwireless commands, or wired communication protocols.

Alternatively, the communication between remote control device 150 canbe in the form of wireless communication such as via wireless, 802.11x,short-range personal area network, or any other known or suitablewireless communication protocols such as but not limited to: short rangewireless specification (sold under the trademark “Bluetooth”); all IEEE802 channels; Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT);Cellular; wireless sensor technology (sold under the trademark “ZigBeeEnOcean”); personal area networks; UltraWideband (UWB); WLAN (WirelessLocal Area Network); WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network);Broadband Fixed Access; Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS);WiMax; (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access); HiperMAN (HighPerformance Radio Metropolitan Area Network); optical; audio, sonic, orradio communication.

Also any known wired protocol can be used such as but not limited toTCP/IP; “X-10”; Universal Powerline Bus (UPB); KNX, INSTEON, BACnet(Building, Automation and Control networks), and LonWorks, and any knownprotocols for transmission over lines such as telephone lines andEthernet lines.

In addition, both the remote devices 150, 151, 154, the remoteactivating devices 114, 116, and 118, and the circuit interruptingdevices can include addressable circuitry as is known in the art such asfor example, a network interface card or an addressable wirelesstransceiver for use over a TCP/IP network for allowing for addressingand location on a computer network.

FIG. 9C is another schematic block diagram showing remote control device150 which is shown communicating either directly with fault circuitinterrupting device 112, or indirectly with fault circuit interruptingdevice 112 through an additional communication or control device 151.Additional communication or control device 151 can be in the form of apersonal computer, or a router. For example, remote control device 150can be in the form of a server that controls additional remote controldevice 151, or communicates through this remote control device 151 tocommunicate with fault circuit interrupter 112.

FIG. 11A discloses another embodiment of the remote activation device116 which is in wired communication with a GFCI control device/faultcircuit device 112 through wired line 158. Fault circuit device 112includes a test button 112 a, a reset button 112 b and an indicatorlight 113.

Remote activation device 116 acts on circuit interrupting device 112 ina similar manner as one or more of activating devices 14, 16, or 18would act on circuit interrupting device 12. In this view, a wire inputline 152 b which can be similar to lines 100, 120, or 132 is coupledinto remote activation device 116. Line 152 b allows for bi-directionalcommunication which can lead to other fault circuits or to remotemonitoring device 150 (See FIGS. 9A-9C). Line 158 connects remoteactivation device 116 with fault circuit interrupter 112 and can be inany desired form and for example, can be similar in configuration to anyone of lines 100, 120 or 132, wherein this line 158 allows forbi-directional communication between fault circuit device 112 and remoteactivation device 116. Line 159 is coupled between fault circuit device112 and the device being controlled such as a vending machine or freezeror any other useful product. Line 159 can include communication lines,but could also be simply in the form of a power line connecting faultdevice 112 with the desired load.

In addition, there can be alternative configurations of the remoteactivation device, wherein remote activation device 114 is designed tocommunicate with infrared communication via signals 114 d between remoteactivation device 114 and fault circuit device 112. This type ofcommunication can be a two-way communication wherein signals transmittedfrom remote activation device 114 could be used to activate or testfault device 112, while the signals transmitted back to remoteactivation device 114 could be in the form of information relating tothe status of fault circuit device 112, such as whether fault circuitneeds to be reset. Alternatively, remote activation device 118 cancommunicate in a bi-directional manner as well, relaying information orcommands between remote activation device 118 and fault circuit 112 viaRF or WIFI communication protocol 118 d.

FIG. 11B is an exploded perspective view of the remote activating device116, which includes a top cover 160, which connects to a bottom cover170 via screws 172 and a gasket 174 disposed in between. Top cover 160and bottom cover 170 form a housing which enclose a circuit board 180.In addition, disposed below top cover 160 is a series of buttonsincluding a test button 156 a, a reset button 156 b as well as an LEDlight indicator cover 156 c all formed in a lens assembly 162. Buttons156 a and 156 b connect to circuit board 180 via respective contacts 182and 184. LED light 186 is disposed below LED light cover 156 c and isused to indicate the condition of the fault interrupter 112. (See FIG.11A).

In addition, disposed inside of this housing are strain relief clips 196and 198 which can be of any necessary shape but in this view are shownas U-shaped and connect over a wire connection section 200 of line 152b. Wire connection section 200 includes three different sets of wires202, 204, and 206 which can be crimped or coupled together in any knownway. Wire line 202 includes associated communication lines 208 which canbe coupled into circuit board 180 for communication with circuit board180. Circuit board 180 can also be electrically coupled to any one ofpower lines 202, 204, or 206 in any known manner to derive power fromthese lines.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of a fault circuit interruptercircuit 210 which can be disposed inside of fault circuit devices 12,42, 56, 82, or 112. The basic components of this circuit are discussedin greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,766 to DiSalvo et al, whereinthe disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This circuit includes test switch 220, and reset switch 230. Test switch220 has an associated override switch 225 which is coupled in parallelwith test switch 220. There is also a reset override switch 235 which iscoupled in parallel with reset switch 230. Coupled to both test overrideswitch 225 and reset override switch 235 is a controller 240. Inaddition, coupled to controller 240 is a transceiver 250. In analternative design, controller 240 and transceiver 250 can beincorporated into a single electronic component in any known way. Thistransceiver 250 can also be coupled to an antenna 260 for transmittingand receiving signals to and from a wireless remote controlling device150 or a wireless activating device 18 or 118.

With this design, circuit interrupting device 12, 112 can communicatedirectly with a remote control device 150 without the need for anactivating device 14, 16, 18, 114, 116, or 118. Instead, remote controldevice 150 can act as a remote monitoring device simply monitoring thestatus of circuit interrupting device 12, or 112, or monitor the statusof the load connected to circuit interrupting device 12 or 112. Forexample, the monitoring features could be designed to read both thestatus of the test and reset circuitry, and also whether the load, suchas a vending machine, or any other type load is for example,electrically coupled and drawing power from circuit interrupting device12 or 112. If the load is capable of communicating any additionalinformation on its status, then this information could be communicatedto remote control device 150 via any known means such as wireless orwired communication.

Remote control device 150 can also act as a remote actuation device aswell. In this case, the communication can be via wireless communicationsuch as though transceiver 250, or through wired communication means.Depending on the information sent from remote control device 150, thisdevice could then be used to control the circuit interrupting device viaremote control switch 225 for the test circuitry or via remote controlswitch 235 for the reset circuitry. Other control information could alsobe passed on from the circuit interrupting device to control the loaddirectly in any known manner.

For example, signals are sent wirelessly to antenna 260 and are thenpassed on to transceiver 250, wherein these signals are then processedin controller 240. This information is then sent on to selectivelycontrol test switch circuitry 225 or reset switch circuitry 235. If thecommunication is via wired lines, then this information can be passed onto phase line 227 or neutral line 228 via X-10 or other powerlinecommunication protocols. Alternatively, the wired connection can feedinformation into this circuit 210 via communication contact lines 226via communication lines 104 or 120

Ultimately with this design, a fault circuit interrupting device 12, 42,56, 82, or 112 can be controlled from multiple different locationseither via wirelessly or in a wired mode.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of anther embodiment which is a wall unitfor insertion into a single gang electrical enclosure. This type ofdevice could also be inserted into a double gang or other sizedenclosure as well. The enclosures could be in the form of a wall boxwhich is recessed into a wall in a known manner. As shown, this faultcircuit device 310 includes a housing 311, a reset button 312 a which issimilar to reset button 112 a, a test button 312 b which is similar totest button 112 b. This device also includes metal contacts 320 whichallow power lines to be connected thereto. Thus, with this design, ifthe power lines conduct signals such as through the “X-10” protocol, aremote device such as remote monitoring device 150 could be used tocommunicate with this device. Alternatively, this device could includethe circuitry as shown in FIG. 12 which would also be designed to allowwireless communication with remote monitoring devices as well. Thus,this device could be remotely activated or monitored while beinginserted into a wall box.

As shown in FIG. 14, there is also a method for remotely testing acircuit interrupting device such as but not limited to devices 12, 42,52, 62, 82, or 112. The method comprises a series of steps, including afirst step S1 of sending a signal from a remote location or a remotedevice such as but not limited to devices 14, 16, 18, 46, 56, 66, 84,114, 116, 118, 150, or 154, to a circuit interrupting device, whereinthis signal comprises at least one of a test signal and a reset signal.Next, step S2 involves receiving a signal by the circuit interruptingdevice. Once the signal is received, step S3 involves performing anaction on at least one component of the circuit interrupting devicewherein this action comprises at least one of a test of one of thecomponents of the circuit interrupting device and a reset of the circuitinterrupting device. This method for remote testing can also optionallyinclude a step S4 of providing an indication of a result of the test ofat least one component in the circuit interrupting device. Thisindication step can include any one of providing at least one of avisual indication, an audio indication, or sending a signal from thecircuit interrupting device to a remote testing device to indicate aresult of the test.

When the component is tested, the testing step can comprise testing thecircuit interrupting device to determine if the circuit interruptingdevice is operating properly. This step of testing such as in step S3can include testing at least one component by tripping at least one setof contacts such as contacts 235 of the circuit interrupting device.

The above steps can be performed using wireless technology such as anyknown wireless technology such as from the group of: 802.11x; all IEEE802 channels; Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications DECT;Cellular; personal area networks; UltraWideband (UWB); WLAN; WMAN;Broadband Fixed Access; Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS);WiMax; HiperMAN.

While there have been shown and described various features andembodiments of a portable circuit interrupting assembly, it will beunderstood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of theform and details of the devices illustrated and in their operation maybe made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe subject matter of the present disclosure.

1. A circuit interrupting system comprising: a housing a circuitinterrupting device disposed in said housing, said circuit interruptingdevice being configured to change from a reset state to a trip stateupon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, said circuitinterrupting device including test circuitry configured to cause saidcircuit interrupting device to change from the reset state to the tripstate when activated, and reset circuitry configured to cause saidcircuit interrupting device to change from the tripped state to thereset state when activated; and at least one activating device capableof remotely activating the test circuitry or the reset circuitry.
 2. Thesystem as in claim 1, further comprising an output connection coupled tosaid housing, wherein said output connection comprises a cable hardwired to said circuit interrupting device in said housing, said cablecomprising at least one communication line.
 3. The system as in claim 1,further comprising an output connection coupled to said housing whereinsaid output connection comprises a plurality of prongs extending outfrom said housing.
 4. The system as in claim 1, further comprising apower cable, wherein said power cable comprises a plurality of powerlines and a plurality of communication lines and wherein said at leastone activating device is in communication with said circuit interruptingdevice via said plurality of communication lines.
 5. The circuitinterrupting system as in claim 4, wherein said at least onecommunication line further comprise Ethernet lines.
 6. The circuitinterrupting system as in claim 4, wherein said at least onecommunication line comprise fiber optic lines.
 7. The circuitinterrupting system as in claim 1, further comprising a power cable andat least one additional cable and at least one branching element whereinsaid branching element is coupled to said power cable and said at leastone additional cable is coupled to said branching element.
 8. Thecircuit interrupting system as in claim 2, wherein said at least oneactivating device communicates with said circuit interrupting device viaX-10 protocol.
 9. The circuit interrupting system as in claim 2, whereinsaid at least one activating device communicates with said circuitinterrupting device via TCP/IP protocol.
 10. The circuit interruptingsystem as in claim 1, wherein said circuit interrupting device furthercomprises addressable circuitry which allows said circuit interruptingdevice to be identified on a network.
 11. The circuit interruptingsystem as in claim 1, wherein said at least one activating devicefurther comprises addressable circuitry which allows said at least oneactivating device to be identified on a network.
 12. The circuitinterrupting system as in claim 1, wherein said at least one activatingdevice comprises at least one of a transmitter and receiver disposed tocommunicate with said circuit interrupting device using a wirelessprotocol.
 13. The circuit interrupting system as in claim 12, whereinsaid wireless protocol is taken from the group consisting of: 802.11x;all IEEE 802 channels; Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications(DECT); Cellular; personal area networks; UltraWideband (UWB); WLAN;WMAN; Broadband Fixed Access; Local Multipoint Distribution Service(LMDS); WiMax; HiperMAN.
 14. The circuit interrupting system as in claim1, further comprising at least one remote device for monitoring saidcircuit interrupting device.
 15. The circuit interrupting system as inclaim 14, wherein said remote device is disposed to activate said testcircuitry of said fault circuit interrupter.
 16. The circuitinterrupting system as in claim 14, wherein said remote device isdisposed to monitor said circuit interrupting device.
 17. The circuitinterrupting system as in claim 14, wherein said at least one remotedevice is in the form of one of: a computer, a computer workstation, adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a server, a personal digitalassistant, a telephone, a cellular telephone, and a text messagingdevice.
 18. A circuit interrupting system according to claim 1, whereinsaid circuit interrupting system comprises addressable circuitry foridentification of said circuit interrupting system on a network; aremote device which is in communication with said circuit interruptingvia a communication protocol.
 19. The system as in claim 18, whereinsaid remote device is in the form of a computer.
 20. The system as inclaim 18, wherein said remote device is in communication with saidcircuit interrupting via a wired communication protocol.
 21. The systemas in claim 18, wherein said remote device is in communication with saidcircuit interrupting via a wireless communication protocol.
 22. Acircuit interrupting device comprising: a power cable, a housing coupledto said power cable; a circuit interrupting device disposed in saidhousing and said circuit interrupting device being configured to changefrom a reset state to a trip state upon the occurrence of apredetermined condition, said circuit interrupting device including testcircuitry configured to cause said circuit interrupting device to changefrom the reset state to the trip state when activated, and resetcircuitry configured to cause said circuit interrupting device to changefrom the tripped state to the reset state when activated; at least oneadditional cable coupled to said circuit interrupting device at a firstend; at least one activating device coupled to said second end of saidat least one additional cable and wherein said at least one activatingdevice is capable of remotely activating the test circuitry or the resetcircuitry.
 23. The device as in claim 22, wherein said at least oneadditional cable comprises a signal cable.
 24. The device as in claim22, wherein said at least one additional cable comprises a signal cableand a power cable.
 25. A method for remotely communicating with acircuit interrupting device comprising the steps of: sending a signalfrom a remote location to a circuit interrupting device, wherein saidsignal comprises at least one of a test signal and a reset signal;receiving said signal by said circuit interrupting device; performing anaction on at least one component of said circuit interrupting devicewherein said action comprises at least one of a test of one of saidcomponents of said circuit interrupting device and a reset of saidcircuit interrupting device.
 26. The method as in claim 25, furthercomprising a step of providing an indication of a result of said action.27. The method as in claim, 26, wherein said step of providing anindication of a result of said action further comprises providing atleast one of a visual indication, an audio indication, and sending asignal from said circuit interrupting device to a remote location toindicate a result of said test.
 28. The method as in claim 25 whereinsaid step of testing at least one component further comprises testingsaid circuit interrupting device to determine if said circuitinterrupting device is operating properly.
 29. The method as in claim28, wherein said step of testing at least one component includestripping at least one set of contacts of said circuit interruptingdevice.
 30. The method as in claim 28, wherein said step of testing saidfault circuit interrupter from a remote location comprises testing saidfault circuit interrupter using a wireless protocol.
 31. The method asin claim 30, wherein said wireless protocol is taken from the groupconsisting of: 802.11x; all IEEE 802 channels; Digital Enhanced CordlessTelecommunications (DECT); Cellular; personal area networks;UltraWideband (UWB); WLAN; WMAN; Broadband Fixed Access; LocalMultipoint Distribution Service (LMDS); WiMax; HiperMAN.